INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Animal Care & Control wishes to recognize the outstanding efforts, achievements and giving spirits of the fourth grade classes at Christ the King Elementary. On Wednesday, June 4th, shelter administrator Jim Garrard presented plaques to the classes marking the youths’ contributions. Margie Smith-Simmons, director of community outreach, and the shelter mascot “Stamp” were also in attendance to thank the “Pet Pals.”

Classrooms led by teachers Nancy Salge and Mary Catherine Lotti initiated a community service project to help Indianapolis Animal Care & Control and their furry pets awaiting adoption.

Since October, the students have distributed over 400 flyers monthly to businesses, friends and family to encourage the adoption of pets from Indianapolis Animal Care & Control. In another effort, they kicked off a “Donate-A-Thon” with such enthusiasm that the class project quickly turned into a collective effort when the entire school offered to help. They were able to donate a multitude of pet supplies including such items as cat carriers, toys, blankets, and pet food.

Their final project of the school year, “The Saint Quilt Raffle” was also highly successful. Students personally handcrafted each square of the quilt and with the expertise of school board member Margie Hamm and her mother, they were able to come up with a beautiful product of community love and devotion. The raffle brought $530 that student representatives will use to purchase more items for the animals at the shelter.

Administrator Jim Garrard commented, “These remarkable students and their civic-minded efforts have demonstrated the incredible potential of the youth of Indianapolis. The results of their efforts will not only be experienced at the shelter, but ultimately community wide – we thank them for that.”

The “Pet Pals” program will continue to benefit Indianapolis Care & Control as it continues through the summer, even after the school year has ended.

Indianapolis Animal Care & Control always welcomes donations and volunteers. Please call 317.327.1397 for information on how you can help.